The Future of the A.L.E.R.T. Program
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
SUMMER 2017 The Impact of Philanthropy The future of the A.L.E.R.T. program A Special Initiative | CSC Celebrates Anniversary | Pediatric Surgery | Advancements and Upgrades Kalispell Regional Healthcare Foundation Board Members The future of the A.L.E.R.T. program Andra Townsley, Chair Lakeside, MT A special gifts initiative William Boehme, MD Kalispell, MT The Advanced Life-support and Emergency Rescue Board feel strongly that the only path forward is Team (A.L.E.R.T.) program started in 1975 as to purchase a new helicopter. The cost of a Bell Katie Brown the second hospital-based advanced life support 407 Helicopter is $4 million. We are pleased Bigfork, MT helicopter system in the United States and the first to announce that we already have $2.1 million Gordon Cross of its kind in rural America. dollars committed to this aircraft. These funds are Whitefish, MT a result of the strong support of our community, for Anders Engdahl, MD A.L.E.R.T. faced financial difficulties in 1978. The which we are deeply grateful. Kalispell, MT local community rose to this potential crisis with the formation of the A.L.E.R.T. Board, comprised A.L.E.R.T. Facts Melissa Hulvat, MD of community members from businesses, primary • Since 1980, A.L.E.R.T. has flown more than Kalispell, MT rescue, logging, and Park and Forest Service. Some 15,500 hours in three different helicopters Lourell Kasper-Tilton Board members and their families provided the owned by KRMC. Columbia Falls, MT initial funding to purchase the first helicopter. • The original A.L.E.R.T. Bell 206 often did not Andy Kirk Anticipating the need for a more widespread have enough power to life off with the patients, Columbia Falls, MT effort for community financial support, the Board medic, nurse and pilot. As a result the medics established the annual A.L.E.R.T. Banquet. would be left behind. After the crew delivered Susan Kuhlman Proceeds from this event, coupled with generous the patient to the hospital, the would return for Bigfork, MT financial support from community donors have their stranded team member. Curt Lund sustained the program for more than 40 years. • A.L.E.R.T. has flown more than 30 victims of Kalispell, MT grizzly bear attacks. Wayne Marshall A.L.E.R.T. is seeking community support to help in • A.L.E.R.T. has documented more than 1,500 Whitefish, MT the purchase of the replacement helicopter that will life salvages since beginning operations. serve us for the next decade. The current Bell 407 Without transport by A.L.E.R.T., these critical Pam Mitchell is 17 years old and requires frequent maintenance. patients would have died. Bigfork, MT Helicopters available for rent during this • The Bell 407 burns nearly 50 gallons of jet fuel Kim Nystuen maintenance lack critical equipment now required per hour. Lakeside, MT by a new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) • A.L.E.R.T. picks up patients in the backcountry, Steve Patyk law. Currently, when the 17-year-old helicopter on dirt roads and highways and rural facilities Lakeside, MT is down for maintenance there is no helicopter — not just at other hospitals, like most available to go on missions, except the possibility of other services. Tom Ray a ‘for profit’ aircraft. Whitefish, MT If you have questions about the need for this Dennis Sabo The administrative team at Kalispell Regional helicopter or would like to make a donation please Bigfork, MT Medical Center (KRMC) and the A.L.E.R.T. contact Tagen Vine at the Kalispell Regional Brad Salonen Kalispell, MT Bob Sandman Columbia Falls, MT Larry Simpson Kalispell, MT Sally Thompson West Glacier, MT Tagen Vine Whitefish, MT Orrin Webber Kalispell, MT Bob White Whitefish, MT Kathy White Carlson Kalispell, MT New CSC classes have been added this year, including hiking at Lone Pine State Park and exploring Glacier National Park Cancer Support Community celebrates 1st anniversary May 2017 marked the one-year anniversary of the Cancer “Cancer Support Community provided for me and my family Support Community (CSC). Since its official opening in May a weekend at One Another Family Camp on Flathead Lake,” 2016, CSC has been creating ways to make a difference in the said Niam Moody, a cancer survivor. “This is when my tears lives of those affected by cancer. turned to laughter — watching my boys having fun and enjoying the lake after a long winter of helping me get better.” Though CSC may be best known for support groups such as Living with Loss, Care Giver Support and the Women’s Niam experienced the support from her family and fellow Cancer Group, they also offer Healing with Horses, Intro to patients she saw during her treatment, but she felt that Nordic Walking, Tai Chi, Knitty Gritty classes and Cooking something was missing. That something turned out to be for Wellness. These classes and group support programs are all camaraderie with other cancer survivors. CSC proved to be offered free of charge. wonderful avenue for Niam to connect with others and gave her a fresh look on living a new normal life. Additionally, philanthropy has made a positive impact on every facet of the CSC. Many healthy excursions for cancer survivors and their families • The KRH Employee Philanthropy Club gave a grant to are planned for this summer, including hiking at Lone Pine provide supplies and equipment needed for yoga classes. State Park, exploring Glacier National Park and learning • Halt Cancer at X provided a grant offering a snowshoeing how to fly fish. Movement and physical activity during cancer and cross-country skiing adventure. treatment can improve quality of life, reduce the intensity of • Halt Cancer at X provided a grant for a remodel and side effects and help in overall recovery. upgrade of the kitchen, now enjoyed by weekly cooking classes. For more information, contact Jennifer Young at • Events like the Rad Ride (August 26) and Pink Me Up [email protected] or (406) 752-0130. Color Celebration (October 1) donate all of their net revenue to support CSC. Portions of this article are from Montana Woman Magazine February 2017 by Rena Desmond. Used with permission. About the After surgery, 3-year-old is all smiles KRH Pediatric Program • Pediatric Primary Care The Kalispell Regional Medical Center (KRMC) pediatric surgery team first met 3-year- old Donald in June 2016. He walked into the clinic with his twin, Delmar, and their • Pediatric Specialty Care parents, Helen and David. ◆ Pediatric Anesthesia ◆ Pediatric Cardiology From the moment Donald was born, he battled severe constipation and abdominal ◆ Pediatric Critical Care pain. Helen and David had tried changing Donald’s diet and a variety of different ◆ Pediatric Endocrinology medications. At KRMC, pediatric surgeon Federico Seifarth, MD, performed a biopsy, and Diabetes which showed Hirschsprung’s disease. ◆ Pediatric Gastroenterology ◆ Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Hirschsprung’s disease is rare and affects only 1 in 5,000 babies. It is a result of ◆ Pediatric Neurology malformed or absent nerve cells in the large bowel. Before the 1970s most babies died ◆ Pediatric Neurosurgery from this condition and the associated malnutrition and infections. ◆ Pediatric Ophthalmology ◆ Pediatric Psychiatry In addition to Donald’s charismatic spunk and newly diagnosed Hirschsprung’s disease, ◆ Pediatric Radiology he was also born with Down syndrome. Children with Down syndrome are more ◆ Pediatric Surgery frequently affected with Hirschsprung’s disease than other children. ◆ Perinatology ◆ Neonatology Dr. Seifarth opted to correct Donald’s colon with a series of surgeries. While this was the safest and best option for Donald, it required his family to travel from Helena to • Pediatric Inpatient Care Kalispell. Prior to 2016, when KRMC’s pediatric surgery program was created, many ◆ Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Montana families had to fly or drive to Seattle or Denver for this treatment. ◆ Pediatric Acute Care ◆ Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Donald’s first surgery was in June 2016. He received a colostomy to allow his bowel to ◆ Pediatric Emergency Care and heal from the longstanding constipation. In September, Donald and his family returned Pediatric Patient Transport for a colon resection and colostomy reversal. • Pediatric Support Services Shortly after surgery Donald developed severe belly pain. He refused to eat and ◆ Pediatric Pharmacists was having difficulty passing stool. Donald had developed enterocolitis and bowel ◆ Pediatric Respiratory Therapists perforation. Enterocolitis is a life-threatening infection of the bowel that children with ◆ Pediatric Clinical Social Workers Hirschsprung’s disease and Down syndrome are more prone to develop. The surgical ◆ Pediatric Dietitians team and Donald’s family were devastated when he had to return to the operating room ◆ Pediatric Physical and for emergency surgery. Speech Therapy ◆ Home Health The family made one more trek to Kalispell for Donald’s final operation on January 4. • Resources for Donald tolerated the procedure well and had a wonderful recovery. Helen recalled, “Within two days Donald was eating, stooling and playing like any other child!” Donald Patients and Families and his family left KRMC with smiles and confidence. ◆ Psychosocial Support ◆ Spiritual Care “Donald taught us how to overcome obstacles with a smile on your face,” said Dr. ◆ Educational Support Seifarth. “His heartwarming personality touched everybody who was involved in his ◆ Support Groups and care. Our team is excited to continue to perform these complex treatments in Montana Educational Classes and bring specialized pediatric care to this ◆ Financial Counseling beautiful state.” • Recreation The pediatric program is a growing initiative at The Summit Medical ◆ Kalispell Regional Healthcare. Many members Fitness Center of our community have stepped up to offer their • Outreach Clinics time, talent and gifts in support of our youngest ◆ Polson and most vulnerable patients.